Universal multiple switch



Nov. 25, 1969 v G. c. SITZ 3,480,745

UNIVERSAL MULTIPLE SWITCH Filed April 6, 196'? 7 Sheets-Sheet L INNER RING 22 COVER TOP 20 ,2 CD

3Q \FIXED CONTACTS 36 c I l- OUTER RING I I 5 l MOVABLE o CONTACTS 3 I Iv COVER 'OUTPUT LEADS Nov. 25, 1969 s. c. SITZ 3,480,745

UNIVERSAL MULT IPLE SWITCH Filed April 6, 1967 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 OUTER RINGS OUTER FRAME \32 52 232 He,

CAP A LOINNER FRAME INNER RINGS 3'2 70 36 PRINTED CIRCUIT CARDS INPUT AND OUTPUT LEADS Nov. 25, 1969 G. c. SITZ 3,480,745

UNIVERSAL MULTIPLE SWITCH Filed April (3, 196'? 7 Sheetsiheet |NNER RING l N b JER FRAME Nov. 25,1969

G. c. SITZ 3,480,745

UNIVERSAL MULTlPLE SWITCH Filed April (-3, 196'? '7 Sheets-Shae?v 4 loUTER RINGS FRAME G. c. SITZ 3,480,745

UNIVERSAL MULTIPLE SWITCH 7 Sheets-Sheet :3

Nov. 25, 1969 Filed April 6, 1967 2 2 8 mm um & 1 S I 1 l g. m5 mam g g g m 4 a n a? m m E gm R J R f ai 6 W 6 y 3 o m 3 6 3 6 O l. l w a m Nov. 25, 1969 G. c. SITZ 3,480,745

UNIVERSAL MULT IPLE SWITCH Filed April 6, 1967 7 Sheets-Sheet (a OUTER RINGS 2 Nov. 25, 1969 G. c. SITZ 3,480,745

UNIVERSAL MULTIPLE SWITCH Filed April 6, 19s? '7 Sheets-Sheet United States Patent US. Cl. 200-14 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A multiple electrical switch is disclosed which has distinct sets of radially disposed contacts in a removable frame and a mechanism for selectively switching any one or more of such sets. A removable frame positions the sets of contacts to facilitate selected bussing of contacts Within a set or between sets to define distinct patterns of interconnections for programming purposes. Stacked circular rings are utilized to carry contact sets oriented radially with input and output connections made through the center of the stack of rings and with the outside surface of the rings carrying projecting contact members exposed to facilitate bussing or patching by patchcords. The rings are made so that the same basic ring elements can be used to construct switches of a wide variety of sizes. A gear drive is provided to rotate contact rings to provide single or double throw operation. The ring construction resists false opening of contacts due to vibrational loading. It also facilitates the use of a fixed contact which is redundant and which traps a movable contact between opposed contact spring members. The fixed contacts are carried within stacked inner rings with input and output leads carried therewithin and movable contacts are carried in outer rings in a frame surrounding the inner rings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Multiple electrical switches usually contain contact members which are fixed in insulating frames or blocks made relatively movable to effect a switching operation. Closure of a selected number of switch contacts is thus not possible and a switch structure of a given size and number of contacts has only a limited application. One answer to this problem is a form of multiple switch called a plugboard or patchboard which contains arrays of fixed contacts connected to input and output leads and a removable board containing patchcords. By using different removable boards having different arrays of patchcords or by changing patchcord positions in the removable board, different and selected numbers of the fixed contacts can be interconnected. A prior art switch of this type is disclosed in US. Patents 2,927,295 to the inventor and 2,594,737 to Cunningham.

The problem with devices of this type is that selected and different numbers of contacts cannot be closed without changing boards or patchcords, a time consuming requirement which permits an error in board or patchcord selection. Also, programming cannot be remotely or automatically accomplished.

As another problem, the typical plugboard construction utilizes rigid insulating contact carrying boards or panels surrounded by a rigid metallic frame having a drive mechanism, all of fixed dimensions. This construction does not facilitate a use of parts other than contacts and patchcords in plugboards of different size. Thus for the eight to ten basic sizes in use today most of the frame components are different and many of the boards are different. In fact, the sizes available are usually dictated by the possible combinations of molded boards of fixed contact capacity. This means that on the average,

3,480,745 Patented Nov. 25, 1969 the plugboard user must employ a plugboard size having a contact capacity substantially greater than the number of contacts actually needed.

As a final problem, the typical plugboard construction utilizes contact carrying boards which are planar in configuration with all contacts extending and projecting therefrom. Contact closure is made by driving opposed and facing boards in a parallel motion. This configuration of board does not permit double throw operation and does not lend itself to contact redundancy for improved reliability. It also makes the system susceptible to resonance and a resilient opening of contacts under vibration and shock loading of the unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a multiple electrical switch of modular construction permitting a variation in size and contact capacity to more readily meet the different requirements of users and to a switch capable of operation to selectively make or break one or more of distinct sets of contacts under the control of a mechanism rather than by a manual replacement.

It is an object to provide a multiple switch more exactly matched to user requirements in terms of number of contacts employed. Another object is to provide a multiple switch which can be operated by a single drive mechanism to selectively make or break different numbers of contacts without adding to or changing the position of contacts. Still another object is to provide a programmable switch capable of being patched to define different patterns of connection for different programs and also capable of double throw operation. Yet another object is to provide a multiple switch which is more compact than heretofore available and which better resists shock or vibrational loading.

The foregoing objects are attained by providing a fixed contact frame and a movable contact frame each made up of intermating modules which can be stacked together to define an array of contact points. Each module is made to contain a given number of contact members and the frame is made to readily accommodate one or a large number of modules to provide a wide choice of switch sizes with essentially the same components. The movable modules intermate to captivate the contacts thereof between adjacent modules. The intermating portions are arranged to permit the modules to move relative to each other in only one sense to facilitate selected contact closure and at the same time maintain proper alignment relative to the fixed modules. A drive mechanism carried by the fixed frame is made to separately engage each movable module and is operable to selectively drive any one or more than one of the modules to cause contact closure between the contacts of the fixed and movable modules. The fixed contacts include opposing spring members positioned so that closure is effected by displacing a movable contact therebetween to provide a redundant spring contact entrapping the movable contact therebetween. The frames of the modules position the different contacts in an overlapping relationship so that switch operation is achieved through movement in only one place. The drive mechanism for the module frame is positive in two directions to permit movement in opposite directions for double throw operation. The movable contacts include exposed post portions to permit bussing by standard termination techniques such as Wire-Wrap or Termi-Point. Patchcords are provided which permit rotating between contact posts to facilitate programming.

In a preferred embodiment the modules are made in a circular configuration with the fixed contacts confined in an inner frame projecting radially outward and with the movable contacts confined in an outer frame projecting radially inward. The rings are of a configuration to permit the outer frame to be slipped over the inner frame with the contacts in spaced overlapping relationship. The contacts of the fixed frame are carried on printed circuit cards extended axially along the stack of modules forming the fixed frame. All inputs and outputs are made at one end of the fixed frame through the circuits on the cards. The drive mechanism is also positioned within the rings of the fixed frame and includes gear segments mounted on a common shaft containing a projection to selectively rotate any one or all of the segments. Each of the outer rings includes inwardly projecting teeth engaged by the gear segments thus permitting a rotary drive. Each fixed contact spring includes an embossment to provide an increased contact Wiping path and the embossments of opposing springs are operated to accommodate contact from either side of the spring for double throw switch action.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective of a schematic representation of a switch in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an elevation in partial section of the switch of the invention with the movable frame removed from the fixed frame;

FIGURE 3 is an exploded perspective of the fixed frame;

FIGURE 4 is an exploded perspective of the movable frame;

FIGURE 5 is a plan view from the top of the assembled fixed and movable frames;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective of the contact carrying printed circuit card and contacts of the fixed frame;

FIGURE 7 is a plan view of fixed movable contacts showing the details thereof;

FIGURE 8 is a side view of fixed and movable contacts showing further details thereof;

FIGURE 9 is an elevation showing in section details of the switch drive mechanism; and

FIGURES 10 and 11 are plan sectional views showing portions of the drive mechanism in different positions of operation.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Referring now to FIGURE 1 the switch assembly 10 is shown mounted on a plate 12 which may be considered as part of the housing of a computer or other equipment requiring a controlled switching function. The leads 14 represent a portion of the input and output leads which are to be selectively connected to effect different equipment functions by energizing different equipment components. The assembly 10 includes a base plate 16 having a protective cover 18 secured thereto. The top 20 of cover 18 is removable to permit access to the operating mechanism of the switch represented by the numeral 22.

When 22 is operated a shaft 24 connected thereto is rotated to drive a gear 26 which in turn drives an outer ring 28 positioned and supported for rotary movement in the plane of the gear. Ring 28 is one of a series of rings or modules stacked in an outer frame. A set of movable contacts 30 are carried by ring 28 to project along radii from the center of the assembly. Located in the plane of 28 is an inner ring or module 32 which is one of a series of inner rings carried in an inner frame. A series of fixed contacts 34 are carried by a printed circuit card 36 extending axially up through the inner frame. A series of cards are employed around the periphery of the inner frame like spokes in a wheel to provide a set of contacts 34 in a plane common with the plane of contacts 30 and extending along radii from the center of the assembly. Normally, the contacts 30 and 34 are spaced apart but overlapping. When gear 26 is rotated in either direction the ring 28 is driven to effect closure of a given contact 30 with one or the other of the contacts 34 adjacent thereto. The contacts 30 may be connected together in patterns by fixed connections or by patchcords.

Switch operation to close conductive paths between selected contacts 34 is thus made to connect selected input and output leads 14.

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION FIGURE *2 shows the assembly structure in greater detail with an inner frame 40 comprised of a stack of inner rings 32 and an outer frame 42 comprised of a stack of outer rings 28. The inner frame includes a circular metallic structure forming base 16 and a circular plastic plate or cap 44. The base 16 is provided with a radially projecting flange 46 which extends out over a surface of 12 and a cylindrical portion 48 which extends through an aperture in 12. The portion 48 is made long enough to protect the ends of the printed circuit cards 36 and the contacts carried thereon. On the top of 16 is an upwardly directed annular projection 50 which mates with and positions the outer frame by an engagement in a circular recess 52 in the lower ring of the outer frame 42. The cap 44 includes a downwardly directed annular projection 53 positioned to engage the upper ring 32 of the inner frame. Toward the center of 44 is a cylindrical projection 54 which receives a plastic tube 56 which extends the length of the inner frame in the center thereof. A plastic cap 58 is provided at the lower end of 56 and includes a center projection 60 which fits within 56. As can be seen from FIGURE 5 the tube 56 includes a series of projections or ribs 62 extending radially outward and axially along the tube length. The ribs 62 are spaced to receive and position the printed circuit cards 36 along the inner disposed edge thereof, as shown in FIGURE 5. A bolt 64 headed in 58 is made to extend up through 56 and into threading with the center of cap 44 to hold the cap 58 and the various cards 36 in place. The various cards 36 are inserted or removed by first removing 56 and 58 and then sliding the cards radially in or out relative to the inner rings.

Base 16 also includes an upwardly projecting annular flange 66 having a recess 68 to receive and position the lower ring 32 of the inner stack of rings by engagement with a projection thereon, as shown in FIGURE 2.

Each of the rings 32 is of a plastic insulating material and of an identical configuration as shown in FIGURES 2 and 3. Each includes a main body portion 70 having a series of vertical projections 72 (see FIGURE 3) which define recesses 74. These recesses are extended into the body 70 as shown in FIGURE 3 and are radially oriented to receive and support inner contacts 34 as shown in FIG- URE 2. Radial projections 76 (see FIGURE 3) are made to extend out from the body 70 to isolate contacts 32 of adjacent rings and to define a series of radial slots 78 to accommodate contacts 30 as carried by the outer frame when fitted over the inner frame. FIGURE 5 also shows this relationship. The under side of each ring 32 is fiat to define an aperture through which each contact 34, as secured on printed circuit cards 36, is made to protrude. The apertures are shown as 80 in FIGURES 2 and 3 and the surfaces of 76 protect and isolate the contact springs 34. The apertures 80 are made large enough to facilitate insertion of the parallel contacts 34 fixed to a given card 36.

Within each ring 32 and integrally formed to extend from the body 70 are a pair of mounting projections 82 and 84 (see FIGURE 3). Each includes an aperture such as 86 adapted to receive a bolt such as 88 passed through the stack of rings as shown in FIGURE 5. These bolts align and secure the inner stack of rings together. Both projections 82 and 84 are shaped to minimize the area taken up within a given ring since the presence of the projections reduces the number of contact springs per ring.

The projection 84 of each ring includes a center relief 90 of a width to accommodate a drive gear 26 positioned therein for pivotal movement to drive an outer ring. An aperture 96 is provided to accommodate a drive shaft and mechanism 98 (as shown in FIGURE 3) is inserted through the various inner rings in common as shown in FIGURE 9. Slots 102, 104 and 106 are provided in the body of the projections to receive the projections 53 on cap 44 as shown in FIGURE :2. As shown in FIGURE 3 the cap 44 also includes a series of protective projections 108 and slots 110 which correspond with the projections 76 and slots 78 of the rings. The slots 110 facilitate placement of the outer frame carrying contacts 30 over the inner frame.

Construction of the outer frame is shown in FIGURE 2 and FIGURE 4. The rings 28 are held together by a top metal ring 114 and a lower ring 116 which are clamped on each end of the stack of rings 28 by rods 118, 120 and 122 inserted through apertures in radial projections like 124 and 126 in the top ring 114. The lower part of ring 114 includes an annular recess 128 as shown in FIGURE 2 into which is fitted an annular flange 130 projecting from the top of each of the rings 28. The lower ring 116 is of insulating plastic and includes an upwardly projecting flange 132 which fits into an annular recess 134 in the bottom surface of each ring 28. The lower surface of 116 includes the recess 52 heretofore mentioned which is engaged by the projection 50 on base 16.

Each ring 28 includes a series of inner projections 136, as shown in FIGURE 4 which extend along radii overlying contacts 30 and correspond to projections 76 of the inner rings 32. Aligned with projections 136 are a plurality of slots 138 as shown in FIGURE 4 which extend through the body of the rings 28 to accommodate the contacts 30. The contacts include center portions as shown in FIGURE 5 which are trapped within the annular recesses 134 (see FIGURE 2) to hold the contacts against movement in the plane of the ring and relative thereto.

Projections 132 of a lower ring 28 press against the bottom of each contact 30 in an upper ring to prevent relative movement of the contacts transverse to the plane of the ring and to hold the contact 30 aligned for mating with contacts 34 of the inner frame.

The clamping of rings 28 and the surfaces which hold contacts 30 is arranged to permit relative movement of the rings 28. This movement is provided by an engagement with interior surfaces in each ring by gear segments 26, individual to each ring. These surfaces are shown as 136 and 138 in FIGURES 4, 5 and in FIGURES and 11 defined by slots disposed interiorly of each ring which mesh with gear teeth.

Each ring is latched in a given position by a spring member 140 shown in FIGURES 5, 10 and 11, secured to rods 120 and 122 and biased against the outside surface of the ring. A series of three notches shown as 142, 144 and 146 in FIGURES 10 and 11 are positioned to be engaged by 140 dependent upon the rotary position of the ring.

FIGURE 6 shows a preferred mounting of inner frame contacts 34 staked to the printed circuit card 36 and electrically connected to printed circuit paths 150 on alternate sides of the card. Each card includes one contact 34 for each ring level of a given switch with the connecting paths 150 leading from a common edge 152 to the bottom of the card. There, the individual paths may be terminated to input and output leads by a standard printed circuit edge connector; or, as shown in FIGURE 2, with the provision of socket contacts 154 stacked to the paths by a post and socket connector 156.

Each contact 34 is comprised of a single sheet of conductive material stamped and formed to the configuration evidenced in FIGURES 6, 7 and 8. The contact rear portion 158 includes two set of foldable tabs 162 which lock the contact to the board 36 to hold a tubular portion 164 carrying spring ar-ms 166 and 168 projecting from a card edge. The end of each spring arm includes an inwardly directed embossment defining a contact surface disposed at an angle relative to the line of movement of a contact to increase the wiped path of contact engagement. The embossment 170 on arm 166 is oriented oppositely to the embossment 172 on arm 168. The arms are set as shown in FIGURE 8 to place the embossments in a position to be engaged by 30 as driven in a plane parallel to the arms 166, 168. As a contact 30 enter-s between the spring arms contact with one embossment wipes along a path outwardly and contact with the other embossment wipes inwardly, relative to the end of the contact 30 and regardless of the sense of movement of 30; i.e. from either side of 34. This latter feature assures contact engagement which is consistent in double throw switch operation. As can be seen the contact 30 is trapped between the arms 166 and 168 when in contact position. This redundancy better assures operation in the presence of misalignment of either contact and eliminates intermittents due to resonance caused by vibration or by shock loading of the switch.

The contact 30 is preferably stamped and formed of sheet metal stock to include a post portion 174 adapted to receive various connections with leads or connectors. Several types of connections are shown in FIGURE 6. For semi-fixed connections various posts may be connected by Termi-Point clips like shown in FIGURE 6 which force the ends of leads against the post portion 174. For manually replaceable connections, patchcords like 182 may be employed. The patchcord includes a plastic boot 184 with a suitable post portion 174 crimped onto a patch-cord lead.

The enlarged portion of 30 shown as is of a configuration to fit within the slot in rings 28 as shown in FIGURE 5. The contact portion of 30 shown as 192 is coined into a generally oval configuration to provide a tapering leading edge on each side (see FIGURES 7 and 8) to facilitate entry into the spring arms 166 and 168. The rounding of 192 assures a point contact between 30 and 34 which in turn assures a consistent wiping action and permits the use of localized extra plating at the point of contact wear.

. Turning now to a preferred drive and selector mechanlsm for the invention reference is made to FIGURES 3, 5, 9, 10 and 11. As previously mentioned, each of the outer rings 28 is movable within the stack of rings forming the outer frame. This movement is effected by a gear 26 (see FIGURE 3) individual to each ring. Each gear 26 is driven by a ball 200 individual to each gear through an engagement with the end surfaces shown as 204 and 206 in an interior slot 202 in 26 as shown in FIGURES 10 and 11. Each ball is positioned for sliding movement between inward and outward positions an an aperture 208 in a hollow shaft 210 which is fitted through all of the gears 26. The shaft 210 is supported for rotary movement through a through bearing support provided by an aperture 212 (top of FIGURE 9) in cap 44 and an aperture 214 in base 16. The operating handle 22 which provides rotary drive to shaft 210 is pinned thereto at the top as shown in FIGURE 9. At the bottom of shaft 210 and secured to base 16 is a member 216 having a hollow end portion 218 fitted into a slot 220 extending around a portion of the shaft. A compression spring within 218 operates to drive a ball 222 inwardly to latch a rod 224 in one of two vertical positions within hollow shaft 210 by engagement with one or the other of two annular recesses or grooves 246 and 248 in the rod surface. The rod 224 further includes an annular recess or grooves 225 for each ring level positioned to receive the balls 200. Within each of the upper grooves 225 there is provided a post 226 extending radially outward to the diameter of the non-recessed rod surface as shown in FIGURES 10 and 11. The posts 226 are disposed along equally spaced different radii relative to the rod center axis as shown in FIGURE 9 so that for a given angular position of rod 224 within shaft 210 only one post is in driving engagement with a ball 200. As can be seen in FIGURES 9, 10 and 11, this driving engagement forces the ball 200 outward within the supporting aperture 208 to engage the surfaces of the associated gear 26.

The vertical rod 224 is pinned to an operating arm 230 which normally rests on the upper surface of 22 as shown at the top of FIGURE 9. The arm 230 includes a knob 232 which is biased down by a spring 234 within an aperture 236 in the arm body at one end. The end 238 of the knob is rounded to fit within any one of a series of holes 240 (see FIGURE 9 and the top of FIGURE 3) positioned in the upper surface of 22 in a pattern related to the position of posts 226. With 232 retracted to remove 238 from one of the holes 240, the arm 30 may be rotated to position 238 in any one of the holes 240. This will rotate and fix the rod 224 with a given post 226 positioned to engage and drive a given ball outwardly upon rotation of handle 22 and shaft 210. This will in turn drive an associated gear 26 in the manner shown in FIGURES 10 and 11. In this manner a given outer ring may be selectively driven to effect a switching operation in one level of the switch assembly.

By drawing the rod 224 upwardly until the ball 222 is aligned with groove 248 to latch the rod all of the balls 200 will be driven outwardly into the slots 202 of all of the gears 26. Rotation of shaft 210 by handle 22 will then drive all gears simultaneously to effect a switching operation of all switch levels.

Shaft 210 also includes a series of holes 211 opposite to the holes 208 as shown in FIGURES 10 and '11. A series of balls 201 are fitted with holes 211 and in grooves 225. The gears 26 each include a hole 94 as shown in FIGURES 10 and 11 opposite to the teeth thereon and aligned with the balls 201 when the shaft 210 is in a center position preparatory to uppermost movement of rod 224. Upon upward rod movement preparatory to operating all rings together the balls 201 will be forced out into the holes 94 to lock the gears to the shaft 210 during rotation.

With arm 22 positioned as shown in FIGURE 2 the gears 26 will be in the position shown in FIGURE 10 and all contacts will be open. Rotation of arm 22 clockwise will drive selected gears 26, or all gears, to the position shown in FIGURE 11 to rotate an associated ring clockwise and effect closure of contacts 30 with certain contacts 34. Rotation in an opposite sense will close contacts 30 with a different set of contacts. By dividing the sets of contacts 30 and 34 into pairs either vertically or horizontally a variety of double throw switch operation may be carried out. In the embodiment shown the contact span is only about inch. This permits patching between contacts of different rings if desired. It is contemplated that the switch assembly may be used to carry a different programming in each outer ring with choice and change of a given program being made much more quickly than by a change of removable patchboards as in the prior art. It is contemplated that with the same bases components switch assemblies may be made with as few as a single ring level and as many as twenty or more. The choice of number of contacts per ring will in large part determine the basic difference between switch sizes.

It is to be noted that the four contacts sets adjacent the projections 82 and 84 provide only single throw operation and that only two of the sets operate for a given rotation of the outer frame rings. This feature can be used to advantage for auxiliary switching operation such as operating signal lamps which identify the different modes of switch operation possible with the assembly.

Having disclosed my invention in terms intended to enable practice thereof in a preferred mode I now define it through the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a device for switching multiple electrical paths a first frame having an array of first contacts adapted to be connected to input and output leads, a second frame having an array of second contacts positioned to mate with said first contacts, said second contacts being adapted to be interconnected to each other by leads to define desired patterns of interconnections, said second frame formed in part by at least two adjoining members each carrying a number of said second contacts and means for facilitating relative sliding movement between said members of said second frame, first means to receive said second frame and position said first and second contacts in an overlapping spaced apart relationship and second means to selectively drive one or both of said members carrying said second contacts relative to said first frame to make or break connections between the second contacts of any said member or all members with corresponding first contacts to connect selected input and output leads.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said first means is connected to said first frame and said second means is positioned within said first frame.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said second means includes third means operable to selectively drive said members in either of two directions and said first and second contacts are spaced apart and aligned so that drive in either direction closes contact between distant pairs of said first and second contacts.

4. The device of claim 1 including a plurality of patching leads having each end connected to a second contact to define a given pattern of interconnections of input and output leads upon operation of said second means, the spacing of said first and second contacts being limited to require a slight movement between said members to make or break connections between said first and second contacts whereby to permit connection of said patching leads between said second contacts of different members.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said second means includes a series of first gear segments, one for each member and each member includes a second gear segment mating with said first gear segment to provide a positive positioning and holding of said members.

6. In a device for switching multiple electrical paths, a first frame carrying an array of first elongated contact elements adapted to be connected to input and output leads, first insulating means secured within said first frame extending over the length of each first contact element, a second frame carrying a matching array of elongated second contact elements with first portions thereof extending through said frame to be interconnected by leads to form desired patterns of interconnections and second portions defining contact surfaces, second insulating means extending over said second portions of said second contact elements, means to receive said second frame and position the said second portions of said contact elements spaced from but overlapping said first contact elements and means to drive portions of said second frame in movement relative to said first frame to effect an engagement between said first and second contact elements to effect a switching operation between selected input and output leads.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said first and second insulating means are positioned relative to said first and second contact elements to extend along opposite sides of each engaged first and second contact element following operation of said drive means.

8. The device of claim 6 wherein said first insulating means includes a series of segments each having intermating surfaces to lock said segments into a stack and against movement relative to each other.

9. The device of claim 6 wherein said second insulating means includes a series of segments each having intermating surfaces to lock said segments in a stack and against relative movement in the plane of the stack but permit relative movement in the plane of the segments.

10. The device of claim 6 wherein said first and second insulating means each includes a series of segments each having intermating surfaces to lock said segments in a stack and against relative movement in the plane of the stack.

11. The device of claim 6 wherein each said insulating means is comprised of a series of identical segments.

12. In a device for switching multiple electrical paths, =a first frame having an array of first contact elements adapted to be connected to input and output leads, a second frame including a series of segments of insulating material each having a recess and a projection to permit an intermating and stacking of segments, each segment further including an array of slots to receive an array of second contact elements with an adjacent segment projection serving to lock said second contact elements within a given segment, said second contact elements including portions extending outwardly from said second frame to facilitate the attachment of leads interconnecting second contact elements in patterns, first means to receive said second frame and position said second contact elements spaced from but overlapping said first contact elements and second means to drive said segments to cause said second contact elements to engage said first contact elements to interconnect selected input and output leads as a switching function.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein said second frame includes a plurality of patching leads connected in patterns to said second contact elements to define a program of interconnection for said input and output leads and is of a configuration to be removed or placed in or on said first frame via said first means with said patching leads connected.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein said patching leads are connected between second contact elements common to a given segment whereby to permit replacement of a given segment 'with said patching leads connected.

15. In a device for switching multiple electrical paths a first frame including an array of first contact elements and means mounting said first contact elements in sets each in a different parallel plane, each first contact element being adapted to be connected to input and output leads, a second frame including a plurality of segments and means mounting said segments therein for sliding movement relative to each other, an array of second contact elements mounted in said segments with each segment and having a set of second contact elements positioned in a plane corresponding in position to the position of said first contact elements, said second contact elements including portions positioned to be interconnected by conductive leads in patterns, means to position said second frame with said second contact elements spaced from but overlapping said first contact elements and means operable to select a given segment of said second frame and means to drive the selected segment to cause the second contact elements mounted therein to engage correspondingly first contact elements to effect an interconnection of said input and output leads as a switching function.

16. The device of claim 15 where-in said last mentioned means is operable to drive said segments in either of two directions in a given plane to cause the second contact elements to engage different first contact elements in said plane.

17. In a device for switching multiple electrical paths, a first frame including a mounting structure, a plurality of insulating members each including a column of first contact elements staked thereon and positioned to be inserted in said mounting structure to form columns of first contact elements, each insulating member including a series of conductive paths extending along the surface thereof and each connected to a first contact element, means mounting said insulating members to extend along said first frame with said conductive paths positioned to be connected to input and output leads, a second frame including a plurality of second contact elements each spaced from but overlapping a given first contact element, first means to drive said second contact elements to engage said first contact elements to effect a connection of said conductive paths and input and output leads.

18. The device of claim 17 wherein said mounting structure is comprised of a series of segments of insulating material having intermating surfaces with said segments being stacked and intermated to provide an alignment and holding of said first contact elements against displacement.

19. The device of claim 18 wherein said insulating members are comprised of insulating sheets positioned to extend along the stack of segments with said conductive paths having end portions positioned at a common end of said stack for ease of termination to said input and output leads.

20. The device of claim 17 wherein means are pro vided to engage said insulating members on the edge opposite said first contact elements to hold said insulating members in position relative to said mounting structure, said means being removable to permit placement of a given insulating member or all of said insulating members by withdrawal of said first contact elements from said first frame.

21. The device of claim 17 wherein said first frame is of a cylindrical configuration and said insulating members are carried therewithin.

22. The device of claim 17 wherein said first frame is of a cylindrical configuration and said first means is positioned therewithin with a portion extending outwardly to engage portions of said second frame and effect said drive.

23. In a device for switching multiple electrical paths a fixed frame carrying a given array of first contact members each oriented along a different and non-parallel axis from each other first contact member, and toward a common center axis of said fixed frame, and each being adapted to be connected to a given input or output lead, a removable frame carrying second contact members in said given array, said second contact members being positioned with portions exposed to facilitate patching by leads in different patterns, to interconnect different second contact members to each other, first means to position said removable frame with pairs of said first and second contact members being in a parallel spaced apart relationship and second means to drive said first and second contact members together to intermate input and output leads.

24. The device of claim 23 wherein each said frame is of a substantially circular configuration with the said contact members being oriented along radii extending generally from the center axis of said frame.

25. The device of claim 23 wherein each of said first contact members includes a contact surface formed to define a point contact along a line disposed at a substantial angle to the orientation axis of said contact members whereby to increase the length of contact engagement between said first and second contact members responsive to said drive.

26. The device of claim 23 wherein the said removable frame includes a series of segments mounted therein for relative movement, each carrying said second contact members and said second means includes means to drive any one of said segments to effect an engagement only of the number of second contacts in the driven segment with a like number of said first contacts.

27. The device of claim 23 wherein second means is located within said fixed frame and includes means pr0- jecting outwardly to engage portions of said removable frame to effect said drive.

28. The device of claim 23 wherein said fixed and removable frame are of a circular configuration of different diameters with one frame adapted to be fitted over the other frame in a surrounding relationship.

29. The device of claim 28 wherein each said frame is comprised of a series of segments each including intermating surfaces with the segments of each frame forming a stack to position and align said contacts for engagement.

30. The device of claim 23 wherein said first contact 3,302,065 1/1967 Karol et al. 317-99 members each include a pair of spring arms positioned to 3,308,347 3/ 196-7 Klaiber 317-99 receive said second contact members therebetween re- 3,300,751 1/1964 Fraley 33991 sponsive to said second means. 3,436,696 4/ 1969 Carlisle et al 335-106 References ci ed 5 ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS M. GINSBURG, Assistant Examiner 2,721,911 10 1955 Patla. U.S. Cl. X.R.

3,290,456 12/1966 Meyer 200 -14 317-99 

